Author: Andrew Nachemson

**Resilience in Mandalay: Residents Stand Strong as City Under Siege** Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, is facing unprecedented challenges as armed groups encroach upon its borders. Despite the turmoil, residents like Tun remain steadfast in their fight for freedom. Tun, a long-time resident of a small town in Mandalay, reflects on the changing landscape of his homeland. The once peaceful region has now become a battleground, as conflicts escalate following the military coup in 2021. The anti-coup alliance, comprised of ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy militias, has made significant gains in recent months. While the capture of towns near Mandalay has…

Thailand’s Senate Selection Process Under Scrutiny The ongoing Senate selection in Thailand has raised concerns about favoritism towards the conservative establishment and potential threats to the country’s fragile democracy. Following the 2014 military coup, the upper house was filled with military appointees, hindering political reform efforts. Despite the 2019 election results, the progressive Move Forward Party was blocked from forming a government by the Senate. Now, a new group of 200 senators is being selected from various industries in a complex process. Candidates must meet specific criteria, including age, experience, and political party affiliation restrictions. The Senate’s influence on constitutional…